Balakrishna Temple, Hampi.. There is a wonderful temple dedicated to Lord Balakrishna, who is in infant form, and this temple is situated in Bellary District in Hampi Town, Karnataka. This temple contains good architecture.
This temple is a very good monument, and it is listed under World Heritage Monuments by the UNESCO. This temple was built by the ruler Krishnadevaraya of the Vijayanagara period during the year 1513 A.D. He has constructed this temple in order to honour the Lord, after winning in a battle. This place is currently known as Orissa, to be spelt as Odhisha. The temple campus contains some good pillared halls and many small shrines.
This temple has been built in an Islamic style of architecture. There are daily buses operating from Bangalore and other nearby areas to connect to Hampi. The Krishna Temple does not charge any admission fees from devotees. People are permitted to take photographs in and around the temple premises. Devotees used to donate food grains as offering at the temple. The temple pond is called as Kalyani Theertham. We can visit this place in order to get the blessings of the Lord as well as to enjoy the natural scenery and attractive greenery.
SONGS IN PRAISE OF LORD BALAKRISHNA
To those who bow before the Lotus feet of Balakrishna. will be ever blessed, and for them problems will not arise at any point of time.
The pretty one who is like the blue cloud, Who has a face like the moon, in which, There is a divine grace in between his pretty smiles. He lives in Gokula and is a cowherd frequenting the shores of Yamauna in Brindavan, He keeps on singing on his flute which bewitches the mind of Gopis, He is the merciful one living in strong minds, removing their worries, He is the strong one who lifted Govardhana mountain, to prevent the rain, He is the greatly merciful one who pardons our mistakes, And he is the one whose lotus feet is bowed by Lord Brahma.
Sing to Krishna, the indwelling Lord, the Abode of all beings, the captivating Flute-player, the enchanting Herder of cows, the Beautiful Haired One, the Universal form of God.
This chant celebrates Gopala, the cowherd boy, who is the bliss of His mother and the joy of His father. Krishna as Gopala steals the hearts of all with His divine love, just as He steals butter and yoghurt from His mother’s kitchen.
Way up high where the leaves blow by There’s fruit and flowers dropping down Upon the ground—for Krishna Way down low there are footprints* found Of conchshell, fish, lotus and discus Upon the ground—in Vrindavan Way up high where a cool breeze blows While deer stand by to hear a flute note In the air—in Vrindavan Way down low where cows move slow With bells of gold and lotus eyes To search the Lord—in Vrindavan.
Sing the Holy Name of the beautiful, dark-complexioned Lord (Vishnu) in His captivating incarnations as Krishna and Rama.
Sing O little Krishna, sing sweet melodies Dance Gopal before the ones who love Thee Clap Thy hands and cause the hearts of others To overflow with love for Thee O my darling, do not be shy Raise Thine arms and dance sweet ecstasy Dance O little Krishna, dance again for me Let me hear your jeweled anklets ringing O supremely compassionate Lord Do not leave me for an instant Gopal, darling of everyone Gopal, mischievous charming One You have captured my heart with Your Sweet smile and bright eyes that i adore How i love You Gopal, i love You Dance before me Gopal, my joy is full with You Out of compassionate blissfulness You have come here to dwell with us Dressed in hues of the Infinite Playing totally innocent Stealer of butter and hearts You are Giver of Eternal bliss You are Radiant, all power and truth You bring Your joy permeates everything Lyrics adapted by Sita Stuhlmiller from two songs of Surdas India’s revered 15th century saint, and sung as a medley.
Victory to Govinda, victory to Gopala the delightful captivator of Radha. Let’s lose ourselves in ecstatic chanting to the Lord who is called Rama, Gopala, Hari Let’s be mad with the Name of God.
O my mind Meditate, O my mind Meditate Sita leading Kirtan in Desert Ashram Temple O my mind Meditate, meditate on the Lord.
“JAI SRI BALAKRISHNA NAMO NAMAHA”
WRITTEN BY
R. HARISHANKAR